From the Desk—Reflecting on the Lasting Impact of How Adults Show Up

Research and common sense tell us that psychological safety plays a powerful role in an individual’s ability to take risks, to express themselves, to make mistakes, and to be vulnerable – all activities critical to the learning process. And we likely need no research to remind us that emotional and physical safety are essential to well-being. So it is heartbreaking to witness the social, emotional, and physical harm being caused by aggressive and increasingly violent ICE activities and the National Guard deployment here in Illinois. It is hard to conceive how anyone – regardless of political party or position on immigration issues – could not be appalled by the inhumane enforcement on display; to be horrified to see federal agents terrorize families by raiding homes and shelters in the dead of night, or separating parents from their children; to be alarmed at the sight of armed agents on train platforms and outside early childhood centers, schools and colleges; to be baffled by decisions to uproot hard-working and law-abiding people who are actively contributing to their communities with such callous disregard; and ultimately, to despair as many families forego education, health care, religious fellowship, employment, and more, for fear they will be profiled and targeted. 

Sadly, children are no strangers to being fearful going to school, leaving school, and even while at school. We have a great deal of work to do to ensure safe families, schools and communities in every corner of our state and country.  However, we count on our elected officials and our systems of government to improve things – to work to address the sources of trauma and fear, not to cause them.  And make no mistake, whatever the justification for these actions, the impact of this ICE activity is being felt by all who have a friend, a colleague, a classmate, or a neighbor being targeted.  

Advance Illinois does not work in the immigration policy space, and we do not pretend to know the best measures this country can and should take to balance the range of competing interests relating to immigration policy. But we know schools, and we work closely with communities across the state. We recognize the foundational role that safe communities play in anchoring learning and growth, and would ask leaders of every political stripe to work to advance policies and actions that enhance that safety and sense of well-being and eschew strategies that favor brute force at the expense of humanity.  

In the meantime, we thank the families, educators, school and institutional leaders, superintendents, elected officials, and community partners and volunteers who are extending themselves to support and protect their students, colleagues, and neighbors. It matters how we show up. We hope our federal leaders reconsider their actions. Children across every demographic and immigration status are not only being harmed, they are also watching. One can only wonder and worry what they are learning. 

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RESOURCES 
Illinois Immigration Information:  This comprehensive, all-in-one resource hub is designed to help Illinois communities understand their rights and access essential services, including housing assistance, food programs, and more.  

 ACLU Illinois - Know Your Rights: Federal Forces Being Sent to Chicago:  This resource offers updates on the presence of federal forces and the National Guard and includes “Know Your Rights” guidance to help community members safely engage as a witness or ally.